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Last Updated:July 02, 2025, 20:58 IST
The NCB dismantled a global drug cartel operating in four continents and over 10 countries, and eight people were arrested, along with crackdowns in the US and Australia.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah (PTI file)
The United States thanked Indian authorities after the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) successfully busted a transnational drug trafficking syndicate, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the crackdown as a stellar example of a multi-agency crackdown.
The NCB dismantled a global drug cartel that reportedly operated across four continents and more than ten countries, and used encrypted digital platforms, drop shipping models, and cryptocurrency to smuggle controlled medicines, according to an official statement.
“Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination, resulting in 8 arrests and seizures of 5 consignments while triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across 4 continents and 10+ nations," said Shah on X.
Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel.The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination, resulting in 8 arrests and seizures of 5 consignments while triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 2, 2025
“Our agencies are constantly monitoring the sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs. PM Shri @narendramodi Ji led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from."
This is one of NCB’s most far-reaching crackdowns on illegal drug trade, which began with a routine vehicle inspection in New Delhi. The criminal network operated across India, the US, Australia, and Europe.
“Thanks to NCB and Indian authorities for helping protect Americans against illegal drugs and saving American lives!" said the US Embassy in India.
Thanks to NCB and Indian authorities for helping protect Americans against illegal drugs and saving American lives! 🇮🇳 🤝 🇺🇸 https://t.co/pvjcJgEwhk— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) July 2, 2025
How This Drug Cartel Was Busted
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, an NCB team intercepted a vehicle near Mandi House in Delhi on May 25 and apprehended two persons – both B. Pharma graduates from a private university in Noida – and recovered 3.7 kg of Tramadol tablets from their possession.
The duo confessed to operating a vendor profile on a major Indian B2B platform, from where they sold pharmaceutical pills to clients across US, Europe, and Australia. Further investigation led to the arrest of a key associate from Mayur Vihar in Delhi, who was in touch with a person from Udupi, Karnataka for organising bulk orders to be shipped to the US.
The narcotics agency uncovered data on 50 international consignments, including: 29 packages to the US, 18 to Australia, one each to Estonia, Spain and Switzerland, as per the statement. This information was shared with global counterparts and Interpol, leading to the identification and arrest of a bulk re-shipper and money launderer in Alabama in the US by the US DEA, along with a massive haul of controlled medicines.
The criminal drug syndicate operated on encrypted communication platforms like Telegram, relied on cryptocurrency payments, PayPal, Western Union and used anonymous international drop shippers to evade detection. Two more Indian nationals from New Delhi and Jaipur, who handled logistics and supply-side operations.
Crackdowns In US, Australia
After receiving the information from the NCB, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA) apprehended Joey Hall, a major re-shipper and a key player in the drug network, after a coordinated operation, leading to the seizure of over 17,000 tablets of controlled medication.
The kingpin of the operation has been identified and located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the NCB is working actively with UAE authorities. Additionally, the existence of a clandestine pill manufacturing facility in Australia, directly linked to the syndicate, was revealed and dismantled.
Authorities also uncovered multiple cryptocurrency wallets and active parcels linked to the syndicate, indicating a sophisticated and tech-enabled trafficking operation. An Indian-American individual identified as a key money launderer in the network is now facing indictment in the US, as per the statement.
The DEA successfully intercepted five parcels, resulting in the recovery of approximately 700 grams of Zolpidem tablets, a commonly misused sedative. More members of this syndicate have been identified and further actions are underway.
(with agency inputs)
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...
Read More
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News india Amit Shah Congratulates NCB For Busting Global Drug Cartel, US Thanks Indian Authorities